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Summer Pasta Salad

Summer Pasta Salad: Fresh & Flavorful for Easy Gatherings

Enjoy this Quick & Colorful Summer Pasta Salad, a refreshing and customizable dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Provides a fun twist with its spiral shape.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Feel free to use grape tomatoes if preferred.
  • 1 cup Cucumber Zucchini makes a great substitute.
  • 1 medium Orange Bell Pepper Any color bell pepper works beautifully.
  • 1 small Red Onion Use green onion for a milder taste.
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Pearls Feta can add a tangy twist.
  • ½ cup Black Olives Replace with capers for a low-sodium option.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Basil can be a lovely alternative.
For the Dressing
  • cup Olive Oil Avocado oil is a substitute.
  • 3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can change flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Blend of oregano and basil works too.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can elevate flavor.
  • to taste Salt Adjust according to preference.
  • to taste Black Pepper Adjust according to preference.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Directions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the rotini pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly.
  3. While the pasta cools, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, orange bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Finely chop the fresh parsley to add to the salad.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables, mozzarella pearls, and black olives.
  7. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables, gently folding to combine.
  8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  9. Before serving, give it a quick toss and garnish with extra parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best freshness, serve within 3 days. Do not freeze as the texture may suffer.

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